Method for securing a decoration to an external timepiece element and external element made in accordance with this method

Abstract

Method for securing a decoration ( 1 ) to an external timepiece element ( 2 ) coated with a galvanically deposited metallic layer ( 3 ). Instead of the decoration ( 1 ), a dummy part ( 5 ) is temporarily placed in the hole ( 4 ) pierced in the external element ( 2 ), and the galvanic deposition ( 3 ) is then carried out. After the deposition has been levelled, the dummy part ( 5 ) is removed and the decoration is placed in the hole ( 4 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for securing a decoration to an external timepiece element coated with a galvanically deposited metallic layer, including the following series of steps:
 a) taking a substrate used as external element; 
 b) taking a decoration for incorporation into the substrate; 
 c) at least partially perforating the substrate to the dimensions of the decoration to be incorporated; 
 d) the method being wherein a dummy part, adapted to the dimensions of hole thereby formed is inserted into the hole, 
 e) a metallic layer is galvanically deposited on the substrate, 
 f) if necessary, the metallic layer is then levelled, 
 g) the dummy part is removed from the substrate and 
 h) the decoration is inserted into the substrate which is secured by adhesive bonding or is driven therein. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is an insulating material, in that step e) is preceded by a metallising step including a fine layer of chromium and gold and wherein the galvanically deposited metallic layer is a gold layer. 
     
     
       3. An external timepiece element comprising a substrate including an upper surface, a stepped through hole being made in the upper surface, said through hole having a plurality of steps, among which an upper step, said through hole having a plurality of vertical walls extending substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of the substrate and a plurality of shoulders defining in pairs with said vertical walls said steps, wherein said upper step of said through hole is filled with a metallic layer having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said metallic layer and said upper surface of said substrate in the vicinity of said through hole are flush with each other, wherein said vertical walls of said through hole are free of any metal layer and wherein said external timepiece element further includes a decoration, said decoration being accommodated in said through hole. 
     
     
       4. The external element according to  claim 3 , wherein said element is a watch bezel. 
     
     
       5. The external element according to  claim 3 , wherein said element is a watch dial. 
     
     
       6. The external element according to  claim 5 , wherein the decoration is a phosphorescent disc. 
     
     
       7. The external element according to  claim 5  or  6 , wherein the decoration is series of hour symbols. 
     
     
       8. The external element according to  claim 3 , wherein said substrate comprises a conductive material. 
     
     
       9. The external element according to  claim 8 , wherein said substrate comprises steel. 
     
     
       10. The external element according to  claim 3 , wherein said substrate comprises a non-conductive material. 
     
     
       11. The external element according to  claim 10 , wherein said substrate comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
       12. The external element according to  claim 10 , wherein said substrate further comprises a metallization coating deposited on said non-conductive material. 
     
     
       13. The external element according to  claim 3 , wherein said metallic layer comprises gold.